Did you know Justin Gaethje snubbed Michael Chandler for a rematch with Dustin Poirier? If you didn’t then, my friend, you must have missed out on the exciting gossip from the MMA realm. But worry no more, because EssentiallySports has come forth with yet another episode of MMA News Roundup to keep you up to date with the hot stuff from the MMA community. 

Today, we’ll see what Justin Gaethje has to say about Michael Chandler’s desire for a rematch. Next up, we’ve got some heat brewing in the LHW division, as Magomed Ankalaev revealed his plans for the future. Lastly, we’ll see Jon Jones inspiring the community by returning to the gym right after UFC 309.

Justin Gaethje refused to take on Michael Chandler in a rematch

A few days ago, Michael Chandler, during his appearance on Bussin’ With The Boys, claimed that a rematch with Justin Gaethje was something that interested him. But the same wasn’t true for ‘The Highlight’. When Helen Yee reiterated Chandler’s desire, Gaethje sidelined him, targeting Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier instead. 

He said, “No. I mean, I’m more interested in a rematch with Oliveira or Poirier. But I prefer something new. I think me and Poirier would be a great fight, you know, if it is his last one. I just think that we’re both contenders, and I don’t think we’re contenders if we fight each other. I’m content with a one-on-one. Hopefully, he is.” 

Gaethje then declared that he would love to fight Dan Hooker next. Even Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway were in his mind. He continued, “Being number 3, there’s a lot of options. I told them I want to fight in March. So March, I think it’s in Vegas. I’ll be there.”

Chandler’s attention moving on to Gaethje paints a worrisome picture of the return of Conor McGregor. Dana White’s latest update on that front was that the Irishman would only return in late 2025. So, the #7 ranked Chandler seems to be trying to make up for lost time, focusing on other top lightweights. Unlucky for him, they have better options. ‘Iron’ even received a comment from #8 ranked Mateusz Gamrot, who called him a “Chicken” on X, for targeting Gaethje and Max Holloway.

Meanwhile, lightweight is not the only division where things are heating up. Let’s shift the focus to the light-heavyweight realm where Alex Pereira has received a threat from Magomed Ankalaev as the Russian made his plans for 2025 known to the world.

Magomed Ankalaev plans to defeat Alex Pereira in 2025

The entire world of mixed martial arts has been asking Dana White to put Ankalaev and Pereira in the Octagon together. To cement his legacy, the light heavyweight champion needs to defeat someone with strong grappling skills. And there’s no matchup better than Ankalaev. Well, the Russian took to X and revealed what he planned for the upcoming year. It wasn’t just ‘Poatan’ on the hit list. Ankalaev declared that he wanted to go up against Jiri Prochazka and Jamahall Hill after fighting Pereira.

The Russian wrote, “I’m going to beat [Alex Pereira] in March and I will give him a rematch in July and then I will beat one of these bums like Jamahal Hill and Jiri in Abu Dhabi in October.” On top of that, he tagged Mick Maynard and the UFC head honcho, letting them in on his intentions. 

‘Poatan’ is currently traveling the world, sparring boxers and competing on the punching machine against movie stars. He was recently making headlines with is appearance in South Korea. The LHW champ has also shown interest in fighting Jon Jones at heavyweight, regardless of the undisputed title being involved. The due agreed on a BMF fight but Dana White was quick to shut that idea down. So, Pereira is focusing on his non-fighting duties on a well-deserved break.

But what’s up with the heavyweight champion of the world? Well, he has hit the gym once again.

Jon Jones gets back to the gym 5 days after UFC 309

Jon Jones sent a shockwave through the MMA realm when he sent Stipe Miocic down with a spinning back kick. No doubt, he remained the king of the heavyweight division, refusing to retire after his 28th victory. With talks about him fighting Tom Aspinall flowing around on the internet, ‘Bones’ took to social media and shared a video of himself in the gym.

In the video, Jones said, “What’s up, guys? UFC heavyweight champion of the world here, Jon ‘Bones’ Jones. And we are 5 days on move from UFC 309. As you can see, we are already back in the gym. The work never really stops over here at Team Jones. So, let’s go, baby!”

Well, that marks the end of today’s episode of MMA News Roundup. Who do you think Michael Chandler should fight next if Gaethje was out of the scene? Do you think Ankalaev could defeat the man with the hands of stone? What do you think of Jones returning to the gym within a week of his last win? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.